Scott Pilgrim creator responds to confusion around Netflix anime: "I know it’s pretty different"

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
(Image credit: Netflix)

Scott Pilgrim creator and showrunner of the new Netflix anime Scott Pilgrim Takes Off has responded to fan confusion about the show. The eight-part series begins with a pretty huge twist in its opening episode, before veering into a new direction from both the comics and the Edgar Wright-directed movie.

The decision to flip the story on its head landed the anime adaptation some stellar reviews from critics, but it has left some die-hard fans a bit confused. Indeed, some of the viewer reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have been pretty divisive with people either sharing their disappointment with the twist or waxing lyrical about how much they love it. 

The creator also seemed to want to make it clear that the show exists on its own, addressing the big twist that happens early on. "I think the anime timeline is its own thing," he added. "It comments on the book and the movie, but it isn’t meant to replace them. It’s just a new iteration that starts at the beginning again. I hope you can watch all 8 episodes before you decide how you feel. I know it’s pretty different and that might come as a shock, but it’s all intended in the spirit of fun."

O'Malley went on to urge viewers who were still confused to read the comics and check out the movie. "If you don’t like it, I still appreciate you," he concluded. 

Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.